What is Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma is any one of several cancers of the immune system. There is no particular age at which non-Hodgkins lymphoma is most likely to occur. It can occur in people of all ages. The first symptoms are enlarged lymph nodes, elevated temperature, and sudden and unexplained weight loss.
Non-Hodgkins lymphoma can generally be divided into two types: aggressive, which means fast growing; and indolent, which means slow growing. In each type, there are many different variations - far too many to discuss in this limited space.
It begins when a lymphocyte mutates and becomes abnormal. This abnormal cell then starts dividing and making copies of itself. The new mutated cells divide again and again and again. With each division, the number doubles. The abnormal cells don't die like normal cells, and they don't protect the body from infections or other diseases like normal cells either. The buildup of extra cells forms a mass of tissue called a growth or a tumor.
The risk factors associated with developing this disease are a little sketchy. Researchers do know that weakened immune systems do make people more likely to develop the disease. They also know that certain infections can increase the risk of developing non-Hodgkins lymphoma; AIDS and hepatitis, for example. Age also creates a greater risk for developing non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Most new cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 60.
Researchers are looking into the possibility of obesity causing an increased risk getting this type of cancer, and they are also looking into how exposure to certain herbicides and other chemicals might contribute to the risk for contracting it.
Milos Pesic is a respected surgeon who specializes in treating all forms of cancer and runs a comprehensive Cancer Treatment web site. For more articles and resources on cancer symptoms and treatments, breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, prostate and colon cancer and much more, visit his site at:
=> http://cancer.need-to-know.net/
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
Added: June 28, 2008
Where the sneakers meet the road - Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Sun Where the sneakers meet the road Baltimore Sun, United States - By Meredith Cohn Bruce Cleland began the Leukemia & Lymphoma SocietyÂs Team In Training. With him are his wife, Isabel (second from left), their daughter ... RUNS IN THE FAMILY